This morning (9/26) I had the opportunity to visit Coventry High School and meet with my cooperating teacher, Dr. Robin Pothier. We met during one of her planning periods to discuss her classroom policies and safety procedures. I obtained a copy of the laboratory safety policies (there were about 20 of them) which I intend to keep on my person when observing. As far as classroom policies Dr. Pothier said that she did not have a formal print out, but explained that the guidelines for her classroom are as follows:
- No gum chewing
- No food or drink
- Bring text and calculator to class each day
- She does not lend out pencils, pens, or calculators and explains that the reason for this is that the students are expected to come prepared to work
- Come prepared to learn/work
- No cell phones (apparently there was a problem with text messaging during tests)
Unfortunately time did not allow for any formal observation; however, we did discuss which classes that I would be taking on in January. She explained that there would be three class periods with two lesson preps. Two of the classes are 11th grade college prep Chemistry courses (called 422), and the third is a half year course designed for seniors who have taken a lower level Chemistry and plan to go on to college. This course (called 424) goes a bit more in depth than the Chemistry that they had taken in their junior year to better prepare the students for college level Chemistry courses. The nice thing about the way this course is set up (half year) is that I will be starting with new students.
Dr. Pothier was kind enough to introduce me to some of the faculty (including the department chair) and to show me around the school a bit pointing out important places such as her classroom, the copy room, and most important - where they keep the coffee. We made arrangements for me to observe one of her classes on Wednesday morning (422) and another on Thurday morning (424). She also has a planning period after the Thursday morning class that she said she would be available for questions/concerns about my observations.
- No gum chewing
- No food or drink
- Bring text and calculator to class each day
- She does not lend out pencils, pens, or calculators and explains that the reason for this is that the students are expected to come prepared to work
- Come prepared to learn/work
- No cell phones (apparently there was a problem with text messaging during tests)
Unfortunately time did not allow for any formal observation; however, we did discuss which classes that I would be taking on in January. She explained that there would be three class periods with two lesson preps. Two of the classes are 11th grade college prep Chemistry courses (called 422), and the third is a half year course designed for seniors who have taken a lower level Chemistry and plan to go on to college. This course (called 424) goes a bit more in depth than the Chemistry that they had taken in their junior year to better prepare the students for college level Chemistry courses. The nice thing about the way this course is set up (half year) is that I will be starting with new students.
Dr. Pothier was kind enough to introduce me to some of the faculty (including the department chair) and to show me around the school a bit pointing out important places such as her classroom, the copy room, and most important - where they keep the coffee. We made arrangements for me to observe one of her classes on Wednesday morning (422) and another on Thurday morning (424). She also has a planning period after the Thursday morning class that she said she would be available for questions/concerns about my observations.